Review: 'Holiday Cabaret 2013' in Newburgh

Tuesday

Dec 17, 2013 at 2:00 AM

NEWBURGH — 'Tis the season for the Newburgh Actors Studio's annual "Holiday Cabaret" led by Mark Gamma and his talented trio of singers: Mary Kay Messenger, Kierstin Martin and Caitlyn Classey. This year they are being joined by a doo-wop group, Days Gone By: Kenny Brewster, Jimmy Santerello, Ed Reid, Bob Schulz and Vinny Rubio. Mark Etri Sr. again adds his role of Santa Claus to the festivities.

JAMES F. COTTER

NEWBURGH — 'Tis the season for the Newburgh Actors Studio's annual "Holiday Cabaret" led by Mark Gamma and his talented trio of singers: Mary Kay Messenger, Kierstin Martin and Caitlyn Classey. This year they are being joined by a doo-wop group, Days Gone By: Kenny Brewster, Jimmy Santerello, Ed Reid, Bob Schulz and Vinny Rubio. Mark Etri Sr. again adds his role of Santa Claus to the festivities.

Gamma begins the show with "You're Nobody Till Somebody Loves You," a reminder that the holidays are still a time for love and remembrance. He is standing by an open barrel fire with trees for sale when the quintet Days Gone By stops by and opens their set with doo-wop a cappela music. Changing leads with chitchat about selling trees, they lend their deep melodic voices to a series of engaging songs.

"Up on the Roof" by the Drifters finds Jimmy Santerello dreaming of a trouble-free paradise. In an appealing baritone, he follows with "Over the Rainbow" to take us off to the land of Oz. Tenor Reid chimes in with "Please Come Home for Christmas (Bells Will Be Ringing") in an upbeat plea for a holiday reunion. "Teardrops" by George Harrison brings baritone Schulz front stage for a toe-tapping rhythm and blues rendition. Blues continues as tenor Rubio laments "My Foolish Heart" until Santerello returns with the Skyliners' "Christmas Present," a ballad of the gift of love.

More "Lonely Teardrops" by Jackie Wilson are shed by Reid in R&B style, while Rubio renders "Sometimes" with emotion and conviction. "Gloria" by the Cadillacs receives a vigorous romantic interpretation by Schultz in a rich baritone. Brewster has been pushing for a chance to sing "White Christmas" and finally does so in a strong resonant bass. The group really puts over each number with expert five-part harmony.

After intermission, Gamma introduces "This Christmas" to his three lovely singers. Messenger answers with "Most Wonderful Time of the Year" in her first-class sonorous soprano. "All I Want for Christmas Is You" announces Classey in her finely tuned and torchy voice. Martin raps out "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" with youthful energy. Gamma woos Messenger with "Merry Christmas Baby," and she sums up her best wishes with Judy Garland's classic "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas." "Last Christmas" recalls Classey with genuine feeling, and Martin wonders "Do You Hear What I Hear?" with tender sincerity.

Gamma sings "The Christmas Song" with spirit, and Messenger offers a delightful trip with "Sleigh Ride" and a quickly paced "Jingle Bells." "I'll Be Home for Christmas" promises Classey in a heartwarming rendition, and "Where Are You Christmas?" Martin questions with real feeling. In "Through the Eyes of a Child" Messenger leads listeners to the meaning of Christmas.

All nine singers join for a rallying close, "Santa Clause Is Coming to Town." Their merriment seems to blaze like the fire in that barrel on stage.